Gleason: Giants, like Jets, have no shortage of problems

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The game was billed as an audition, but not only for rookie quarterback Geno Smith, not only for a Jets team filled with holes.

Kevin Gleason

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The game was billed as an audition, but not only for rookie quarterback Geno Smith, not only for a Jets team filled with holes.

The Giants had their own pile of problems entering Saturday night's game. They had their own list of concerns, even if quarterback wasn't among them.

At least it better not be.

But staying with the topic, Eli Manning has his own issues to iron out. Victor Cruz was healing a heel injury and Hakeem Nicks still needed to show he's 100 percent from season-long injuries last year. Maybe Saturday would be the night second-year pro Rueben Randle became a legitimate third receiver, but he needed to show it.

In fact receiver is far from the Giants' greatest concern. They have, once again, run up against a bucket full of injuries that threaten to cut into their playoff chances before opening day. Namely, the Giants could open the season with little to no NFL experience along 40 percent of their line after center David Baas and tackle David Diehl went down against the Colts.

Patriots fans wouldn't feel comfortable with that kind of inexperience protecting Tom Brady. And the Giants would have to be somewhat uneasy with center Jim Cordle and rookie right tackle Justin Pugh making their starting debuts in two weeks at Dallas. Cordle has appeared in 25 games in his two seasons and Pugh is, well, a rookie.

The Giants' running backs are capable given the room to run. David Wilson and Andre Brown form a nice tandem. But there remains the matter of Wilson proving his blocking skills for an extended period.

Geno Smith and Mark Sanchez? How about Justin Tuck and Jason Pierre-Paul?

They aren't competing for a job like the Jets' quarterbacks. But Tuck and Pierre-Paul represent the Giants' uncertainty along the defensive line. Tuck must prove he's not on a downward, injury-laden slope after a couple seasons of nagging pains. Pierre-Paul, of course absent while recovering from back surgery, has been projected to be ready for the opener.

But anyone with back problems will tell you that it's no joke. Getting onto the field is one thing. Playing like he did while producing 16.5 sacks two years ago is another. Remember, this is a team that couldn't stop the run last season, officially 25th of 32 NFL teams after allowing on average 129 yards rushing a game. The run defense was hardly supported by a decent pass rush, ranking 22nd in sacks.

The Giants' linebacker group is a concern, their defensive backs banged up. Cornerback Corey Webster, coming off a dreadful season, has endured knee and groin injuries. Safety Antrel Rolle, in many ways the heart and soul of this Giants team, is out with a sprained ankle.

So, yeah, the Jets have more holes than a display case at Dunkin' Donuts. They need a quarterback in the worst way.

The Giants have their quarterback. But they need some healthy bodies, and soon. Opening day is two weeks away, not an ideal time for auditions.